Spies in the Sky – how they did it

One of our features this month deals with the importance of aerial photo-reconnaissance during the Second World War. To help explain exactly how this vital task was carried out, we included two illustrations demonstrating the modifications which had to be made to the aircraft, and the methods they employed in order to ensure maximum accuracy.

The above cutaway shows the adaptations made in order to make photo-reconnaissance work possible. Such an aircraft was flown by photo-reconnaissance specialist, Pilot-Officer Michael Suckling, who located Hitler’s prized battleship.

This drawing shows the method for taking air-reconnaissance photographs from the specially modified aircraft, with the plane taking a series of photos as it flies above the target area. Each shot was taken twice from a slightly different angle, which enabled the photo-interpreters, using a viewer, to work from a 3D image. This was the secret of the extraordinary accuracy of their observations.